These standards govern everything Cranberry Journal publishes.

Accuracy

We publish what we can verify. Claims of fact are checked against primary sources, documents or direct knowledge before publication. When facts are contested, we say so and attribute the competing accounts.

Sourcing

We prefer named sources. Anonymity is granted only when information is significant, the source's reasoning for anonymity is legitimate, and at least one senior editor knows the source's identity.

Opinion

Opinion and analysis are labeled as such and are held to the same factual standards as reporting. Writers may argue; they may not invent.

Conflicts of interest

Writers disclose financial interests and relationships relevant to their coverage to their editors, and material conflicts are disclosed to readers within the story.

Sponsored content

Paid content is clearly labeled, visually distinct and never produced by newsroom staff. Advertisers receive no preview or influence over editorial coverage.

Imagery

Photographs are licensed from Unsplash and other stock providers, or supplied by the photographer. Every image carries a credit line naming the photographer and the source. Where a photograph illustrates a subject rather than documenting a specific event, its caption describes what is in the frame and claims nothing further. We do not present illustrations or generated images as documentary photography.

Artificial intelligence

Software tools may assist with research, transcription and production. Every published story is reported, written and verified under the responsibility of a named human author and editor.